Dynamically changing road networks modelling and visualization in real time

Abstract

In this paper we present a new concept for a driving simulator database. The database consists of a three-dimensional road network, which is not fixed like in conventional databases. The parts lying outside the viewing range of the driver can be changed during simulation. Changes in the road network are either initiated interactively by the researcher or automatically by the system based on predefined conditions. Conventional visualization methods are not usable for such a road network. Therefore we present new visualization algorithms for real time graphics. The visualization is based on a layered coarsening of the geometrical representation. The algorithms presented in this paper guarantee a framerate of at least 60fps on standard PCs. The concept is implemented in a high-fidelity simulator and currently used for psychological research on traffic and driver behaviour. © Springer-Verlag 2004.